Dušan Elko’s family business, which has been connecting Eastern European caregiving talent with the needs of Western Europe’s aging population for over three decades, is now looking to expand into the UAE. This move highlights their commitment to entrepreneurship through cross-border collaboration.

The journey began in the early 1990s, following the fall of the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe. Recognizing a growing demand for caregivers in Western Europe, the Elko family started employing skilled workers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Ukraine to assist in private households in Germany. This initial small operation, led by Elko’s mother, has since transformed into Euprogres.com, a respected recruitment company in Slovakia that consistently has numerous vacancies available.

At 77 years old, Elko’s mother continues to play an active role in managing the office, symbolizing the family’s dedication to their mission. Elko points out that constant reinvention has been key to their business’s longevity, especially as the healthcare and caregiving landscape has changed significantly over the past decade. In response to increasing local demand for elderly care, they launched Opatrovanie24.com, a home caregiving service that became an official partner for EU-funded government initiatives led by the Ministry of Employment.

Elko explains that the decision to look towards the UAE and surrounding regions for talent comes in light of an acute aging crisis in Western Europe, particularly Germany, where the caregiving workforce is shrinking. Meanwhile, Eastern Europe, their traditional labor source, is facing similar demographic challenges. He notes that Filipino caregivers are highly skilled and compassionate, and they can work legally in the EU through Slovakia, paving the way for potential permanent residency and citizenship. This makes the UAE a strategic location for talent migration.

In keeping pace with rapid changes in Europe, Elko’s company has launched new ventures to stay competitive. One of these is Profisetra.sk, which offers advanced home nursing services like physiotherapy and IV treatments. Additionally, they have opened a dental and wellness clinic that takes a holistic approach to health and eldercare. Elko emphasizes that identifying economic, social, and geopolitical trends is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge.

Looking ahead, Elko envisions building meaningful partnerships beyond Europe, particularly in the UAE. He states that they are not just focused on recruiting talent anymore but are instead working on creating a global caregiving ecosystem. With aging populations worldwide and an increasing demand for high-quality care, he believes Slovakia can play a significant role in this larger international network.